The Lower Falls Foundation was founded in 2016 to champion the neighborhoods within a one-mile radius of the Lower Falls on the Genesee River.

This portion of the City of Rochester contains two Olmsted-designed parks—Maplewood Park (formerly Seneca Park West) and Seneca Park East. We are proud that this park is one of only three parks in Olmsted’s portfolio which was designed around amazingly wonderful natural waterfalls. The other two Olmsted parks built around natural waterfalls are Yosemite and Niagara Falls.

An extension of natural parkland was added by the City of Rochester immediately south of Maplewood Park in the 1970s. The Lower Falls Park is adjacent to the Lower Falls and offers beautiful views of the sedimentary rocks in the gorge and green spaces for walking and relaxing above the Genesee River. An outdoor sculpture, The Seat of Forgetting and Remembering, was added in 2001.

The Genesee Riverway Trail allows hiking and bicycling through this area to reach Lake Ontario. 

Building on the amazing history of the nearby neighborhoods, we are working to create a community of excellence in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Lower Falls and to work for greater respect and prosperity for the future. 

We’re looking for interested individuals to join our Board, be part of an active committee, help with our events, and more. Contact us to get connected!